Nashauna Drummond, Lifestyle Coordinator
Liberty Hill Great House with its lush vegetation and original façade. - Photos by Nashauna Drummond
FOR OVER 200 years, Liberty Hill Great House, perched 1,200 feet above sea level, overlooks the town of St Ann's Bay. Today, its grandeur is being restored to not only tell a story, but to provide the perfect place for rest and relaxation for those who wish to unwind under its roof.
On a recent visit to what was one of the oldest populated areas in Jamaica (dating back to 600-650 AD, believed to be the earliest Taino settlement in Jamaica), the Lifestyle team explored this 1740 mansion built on 25 acres of what was once a pimento plantation. Just two and a half miles from the historic bay (where Christopher Columbus landed), Liberty Hill offers one of the most picturesque views in Jamaica.
Breathtaking view
The first thing you notice as you drive up to the house is the view - a view of the entire St Ann's Bay with the most prominent feature being the newly constructed RIU hotel in Ocho Rios. The white paint of the buildings is a stark contrast to the varying hues of blue that permeate the Caribbean Sea. The breathtaking view of the sea seems endless until it flawlessly merges with the sky.
Inside the entrance hall, one is greeted by a steep staircase that leads to the attic. The staircase stands with its timeless partner - an ancient chandelier that hangs from the roof. To the left is the master bedroom with a replica of the first view you got outside. Across the hall from this master suite, is a living area with built-in bookcases and ancient licence plates that were recently unearthed on the property. (Pottery and other artefacts recovered on the property earlier are now housed at the Institute of Jamaica.)
A red-brick fireplace dominates a corner of the living room. Two more bedrooms occupy the left of the house, one with two double beds and a majestic four-poster bed. The floors are made of wood.
The property was once owned by the Tracey family, who also owned the sugar estate of Windsor, not far away. The Traceys are the ancestors of the Stennett family who occupied the home from the 1830s. After the death of Dr Stennett, the house was occupied by his daughters Annie, Winnie, Dora and Georgiana. Today, their graves can be found under a pimento tree to the right as one approaches the main house.
At the front of the house, the wide verandah has an alluring view which extends from Seville (the original Spanish settlement), to as far as Port Maria to the east, including Don Christopher's Cove. The fragrance of the variety of flowers around the property is as intoxicating as is the view. Unlike other great houses, there is nothing sinister hanging in the air, just peace and serenity. A flight of stone steps leads past the swimming pool, down to the lawn. Heliconia, ginger, orchid, jade and exotic palms, as well as breadfruit and numerous flowering shrubs and trees dot the property.
Rest, relax, refresh
The great house can accommodate up to 10 people on an all-inclusive basis. During your stay, your only companion will be the birds that occupy the vegetation surrounding the property.
It is the perfect destination for weddings, corporate meetings, conferences, retreats, birthday celebrations, wedding showers, baby showers, tea parties or other social events.
Present owner
It was perfect for current owner, Jamaican Jennifer Kerr. A registered nurse, Kerr is also president/CEO of Diversified Health Care Management Consultants, Inc, in Michigan.
"I saw the flowers, the tall palm trees, the coconut trees, the ferns and the bougainvillaea lining the driveway. Then I got to the top of the hill and I thought it was perfect for what I had in mind. I looked outside and saw the ocean, and when I got to the verandah it was 'Wow!' everything just came at me, the view, the ocean, the mountain and the luscious vegetation. I thought it was the perfect place to make my dream come alive. I thought this is the ideal location to relax, refresh and rejuvenate".
Now, whenever she comes home to unwind, she has the ideal place to do it. Plus, it is also a wonderful investment. "I thought this would be the perfect place to fulfil my dream of returning to Jamaica to own and operate a health-and-wellness business. When I saw the great house, I said to myself, 'This should not be hidden. People should be able to enjoy this paradise'."
Paradise indeed! Come this Mother's Day weekend, Jamaicans can enjoy a piece of this paradise at the Mother's Day Plantation Brunch and Jazz Weekend.
For details, call 972-5441.
The original staircase leads to a spacious attic bedroom suite that can sleep four persons.
Liberty Hill was built in 1740, but additions were made to the kitchen in 1986.
The great house has a commanding view of St Ann's coastline, including the RIU Hotel
Relax by the fireplace with your favourite book.
There is adequate space at the front of the property for parking.
Liberty Hill offers the perfect place to get away from life's hustle and bustle. There are five bedrooms which can accommodate 10 people.
